GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota Athletics Department was saddened to learn of the passing of former UND Director of Sports Medicine Jim Rudd, who died on Saturday in Grand Forks at the age of 63.

Rudd served as UND’s Director of Sports Medicine and head athletic trainer from September 1989 through June 2003, providing athletic training services to countless UND student-athletes. He was instrumental in developing the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree within the School of Medicine and Health Sciences in the early 1990’s and was still an active professor and academic advisor within the BSAT degree program at the time of his passing.

“Jim was a true pioneer in sports medicine at the University of North Dakota,” said UND Athletics Director Brian Faison. “More than that, he was a mentor to a great many young student-athletes and athletic training professionals. He genuinely cared and he remained deeply involved long after his tenure as director had ended.”

Prior to arriving at UND in 1989, Rudd had spent the previous four years in the same position at Valdosta (Ga.) State University. His career in the field of sports medicine began in 1973 when he served as an assistant athletic trainer for the National Football League’s (NFL) Philadelphia Eagles.

In 2009, Rudd was inducted into the North Dakota Athletic Trainers Association (NDATA) Hall of Fame.

“On behalf of the entire athletics department, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Jim’s family and friends.”

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Hopper Danley Spiritual Center on campus.